Cart for transport of personnel and material in a hazardous environment

ABSTRACT

A cart for the transportation of personnel and equipment in a fire or other hazardous environment. The cart is constructed out of fire protective material and designed to float. There are wheels on the bottom surface, which are placed and designed to be able to be operative over very uneven surfaces. The structure also has the ability to store fire equipment and in addition on the top surface a fully dressed firefighter with a Scott Air Pack. The card has handles, which can be adjusted so as to be folded into different locked positions based on the particular usage conditions.

[0001] CART FOR TRANSPORT OF PERSONNEL AND MATERIAL IN A HAZARDOUSENVIRONMENT TABLE OF CONTENTS (Provided for Examination ReferencePurposes) PARTIAL WAIVER OF COPYRIGHT 1 CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATEDAPPLICATIONS 1 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1 Field Of The Invention 1Description Of The Related Art 2 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 5 BRIEFDESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 7 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT 8Overview of Construction Embodiments for the Cart 8 Cart Top View WithHandles Open 10 Cart Top View With Handles Closed 10 Cart Side View Withdifferent Handle Positions 11 Cart Side View With Handles 12 Front Viewshowing the Bottom Ribs 12 Perspective View of Cart with Storage forTools 12 Perspective View of Cart with Closed Top 13 Perspective View ofCart with Firefighter Ready for 14 Transport Perspective View of Cartwith Firefighter Ready for 14 Transport Perspective View of Cart withLocating Devices 14 Perspective View of Cart with AlternativeConstruction 14 Materials Alternative Embodiment of the Cart withRetracting 15 Handles Alternative Embodiment of Cart For Confined Spaces15 Non-Limiting Examples 16 CLAIMS: 17 ABSTRACT OF THE INVENTION 23ATTACHED 617-A01-001

[0002] Partial Waiver of Copyright

[0003] All of the material in this patent application is subject tocopyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States andof other countries. As of the first effective filing date of the presentapplication, this material is protected as unpublished material.However, permission to copy this material is hereby granted to theextent that the copyright owner has no objection to the facsimilereproduction by anyone of the patent documentation or patent disclosure,as it appears in the United States Patent and Trademark Office patentfile or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0004] This non-provisional application is based on the provisionalpatent application serial No. 60/327,414 with inventor Jason Simione,entitled “Cart for Transport of Personnel and Material in a HazardousEnvironment” filed Oct. 5, 2001, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] 1. Field of the Invention

[0006] This invention generally relates to the field of emergencyresponse equipment and more particularly to equipment for movingpersonnel in a hazardous environment such as a fire, war, biologicalwarfare, weapons of mass destruction scenarios or natural disaster.

[0007] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0008] Emergency response personnel such as firefighters, paramedics,hazardous material technicians, military personnel and special weaponsand tactics (SWAT) members put themselves in harm's way by entering suchareas as fires, natural disasters, war scenarios and even active crimescenes. Their equipment must be very rugged and designed to do specificjobs during the pursuit of their life saving activities.

[0009] Emergency response equipment varies greatly, from hand tools suchas pike poles, axes, halligan tools, pry bars, and roof hooks. Powertools include, saws-alls, chain saws, and concrete saws. Hydraulic toolsinclude rams, cutters, jaws of life. Bunker gear includes asfire-helmets, bunker coats, pants, gloves and boots.

[0010] All fire-fighting equipment is designed for optimal use in veryhazardous environments. Typically fire fighters hand carry equipment tovarious locations within a fire. Firefighting equipment is not onlyheavy but cumbersome. Therefore it is advantageous to be able to aid inthe assembly and transportation of equipment in a fire to variouslocations. Accordingly, a need exists for a system to transportfire-fighting equipment.

[0011] Fires are life threatening whether they occur in a home,apartment, high-rise building or forest. One of the hazards of a fire isthe by products of combustion, which is smoke. Smoke contains carbonmonoxide, carbon dioxide, cyanide and numerous other products dependingon what materials are burning. Most victims of fires are in factovercome by smoke. People fall victim very quickly to the noxious smokeand poisonous fumes due to its varying composition.

[0012] The first priority on a fire scene is the rescue of any victims,while insuring the safety of the occupants and the fire-fightingpersonnel. Rescue personnel typically guide occupants, and/or carryingthem to a safe location. In some cases the occupants are elderly,immobile, injured, or may have fallen unconscious due to the fire'ssmoke and vapors. When the need arises to move victims it is difficultunder normal conditions. This is further complicated in a fire scenariowhere heat increases the fatigue factor, and smoke can reduce allvisibility. While attempting to move an unconscious patient you aredealing with dead weight. This truly complicates all fascists of patientpackaging even more so.

[0013] When dealing with situations where there is more than one victim,multiple trips and a large number of rescue personnel are required totransport these victims to safety. It is not uncommon during theevacuation of these patients, that they will fall victim to the smokeand flames. Accordingly, a need exists to quickly be able to supplybreathing apparatus and protective equipment to multiple patients.

[0014] During the course of combating the fire it is possible for thefirefighters to become injured. In order for the remaining rescuers tomove the fallen victims they must drag them, or lower them to safety. Ina typical situation the firefighter to be rescued is in full turn outgear including an air pack. The air pack and a full complement of bunkergear, which consists of (helmet, coat, trousers, and boots) can weigh upto 60 lbs. The air pack can be compared to scuba (self containedunderwater breathing apparatus) with a full face mask that is fireresistant. Therefore, the rescue of firefighters is made amazingly moredifficult, due to the excess weight, heat, and lack of visibility.

[0015] To rescue people we literally have to carry them or drag themfrom the fire. This can be complicated by tight quarters associated witha collapse, fallen debris, the weight of the victim, lack of visibility,and the ever present heat and smoke found at all fires. Accordingly theneed exists for an alternative system and method to easily transport thenecessary firefighting equipment and rescue injured personnel.

[0016] Still, another hazard faced by firefighters, is becomingdisoriented. There usually is absolute zero visibility due to the smokefrom the fire. A fire is a very confusing and disorganized environmentbecause of this. In addition there is often so much smoke and debristhat your needed equipment may become lost even though it may literallybe right next to you. Accordingly, the need exists for a transportstructure to centrally locate and carry the equipment, while containingsome level of lighting and locating devices.

[0017] Many times in a SWAT scenarios where victims are shot, the swatmedic may still be under gunfire, while attempting the rescue. Someexamples of this may be a hostage situations or even school shootings.Therefore validating the need for a transport structure that can bequickly operated by one person, while including the ability to carryparamedic equipment, and provide a level of protection from gunfire.

[0018] Still, another hazard faced by firefighters and rescue personnelis water. During a fire, tremendous amounts of water are directed intothe fire for extinguishment, and the surrounding structures to preventfire extension. It is not uncommon for basements, or confined spaces tofill up with several inches of water during the extinguishment phase.Accordingly, a need exists for a watertight structure that is able tocentralize and protect the needed equipment from the rising waterlevels.

[0019] In a swat scenario or military operation water complicates therescue. Water requires the rescuer to provide a floatation device forthe victim while providing c spine immobilization. The cart floats, thusallowing the rescuer the freedom to focus on crossing the body of water,instead of worrying about the need for floatation. This confirms theexclusiveness and the versatility of this product.

[0020] Yet, another hazard faced by rescue personnel and firefighters isthe exposure to hazardous materials. Hazardous materials includebiological agents, acids, bases, radioactive materials, and otherchemicals. Due to airplane crashes, vehicle, train or industrialaccidents, a variety of chemicals may inadvertently be mixed thusproducing unknown chemical compositions. Accordingly, a need exists forthe transport of a multitude of gas monitors, plugging and dykingequipment, forcible entry tools, lighting, absorbent products and quitepossibly the need to rescue victims or hazmat personnel. The normalmethod of rescuing victims, which is to drag them, is no longer anoption. This is due to the delicate suits that they wear. If the suitsintegrity is compromised we now will be exposed to the product that thesuit is meant to protect us from.

[0021] The only stretcher on wheels used by firefighters and paramedicsis the one found in ambulances. These stretchers have a bed, and adetachable backboard, which a victim can be strapped to. When pushedagainst an ambulance tailgate the wheels and support structure isdesigned so as to collapse in a folding fashion thus loading the entirestructure and victim very quickly into the ambulance.

[0022] However this type of stretcher does not perform well on a firescene, due to the exposed wheels. These wheels get caught on any type ofdebris e.g. (rocks, gravel, sand, concrete, any uneven terrain etc).Their ability to rotate 360 degrees requires two people to operate itsafely, because the wheels act independently. Moreover, these stretchersare top heavy once loaded. Additionally, the flat structure of thestretcher does not allow for the loading of a firefighter with an airpack because the tank protrudes into the top of the stretcher, orbackboard while in a face up position. Accordingly the need exists foran improved stretcher to rescue, firefighters, or hazardous materialtechnicians while they are in full turn out gear.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Briefly, according to the present invention, disclosed is arescue cart for the transportation of firefighting and rescue gear intoan emergency location. This cart can also be used to transport fallenemergency personnel and more particularly a victim. The constructionmaterial of this cart can be comprised of different materials as furtherdescribed below.

[0024] The present invention is a tool box/stretcher with an innovativewheel design. The present invention reduces the workload of rescuers byallowing them to carry a variety of equipment and supplies while usingmanpower presently available.

[0025] The present invention s is different than anything currentlyavailable, because of its compact size and capacity. The capabilitiesare further enhanced by allowing the rescuer the ability to providepositive pressure breathing apparatus, as well as providing a thermalbarrier for the victim.

[0026] The present invention premitts one person the ability to carrythe equipment that it would have normally taken between 5-15 persons.While being used in Fire Ground operations, The present invention alsoassists with the removal of victims and the deployment of equipment usedduring High Rise Fire Fighting, Rapid Intervention, Extrication, Hazmat,Weapons of Mass Destruction, S.W.A.T. and Military applications.

[0027] In one embodiment, the present invention has a three wheel inlinedesign that allows it to transverse a variety of obstacles for example4×4's, parking stops, crates, concrete blocks, and any type of roughterrain. With the eyebolts integrated into the present invention design,by simply attaching the prerigged rope system, The present invention hasthe ability to easily and safely be lowered down stairs, ladders and orthe sides of buildings. Should the need arise, The present invention canbe brought upstairs, it would require a second persons assistance.

[0028] In another embodiment, the present invention changes in secondsfrom a ground based stretcher into an all purpose aerial stretcher(i.e., Stokes Basket) while not requiring the need to change the way thevictium has been packaged. This happens simply by placing the twowebbing handles together over the patient and connecting them with theprerigged rope system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The subject matter, which is regarded as the invention, isparticularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at theconclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects,features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thefollowing detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings. Additionally, the left-most digit of a referencenumber identifies the drawing in which the reference number firstappears.

[0030]FIG. 1 is a top view of a rescue cart.

[0031]FIG. 2 is a top view of a rescue cart with handles placed over thehinged top.

[0032]FIG. 3 is a side view of a rescue cart with handles shown in thedifferent lockable positions.

[0033]FIG. 4 is a side view of a rescue cart with handles shown in atypical usage positions.

[0034]FIG. 5 is a front view of a rescue cart with bottom slides.

[0035]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a rescue cart with tools both inand on the side of the cart.

[0036]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a rescue cart with a firefighterwearing a Scott Air Pak ready to be transported.

[0037]FIG. 8 is a detail view of the firefighter's head resting on thefire hat while being transported on the cart.

[0038]FIG. 9 is a firefighter covered by a blanket while on the cart.

[0039]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a rescue cart with optionallocating multimedia and wireless equipment.

[0040]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a rescue cart constructed as aribbed-cage with optional watertight covering.

[0041]FIG. 12 is a side view of a rescue cart with handles shown in thedifferent lockable positions.

[0042]FIG. 13 is a top view of a rescue cart with handles of analternative embodiment, according to the present invention.

[0043]FIG. 14 is a side view of a rescue cart with handles inside andhinged top open, in the alternate embodiment of FIG. 13.

[0044]FIG. 15 is a front view of a rescue cart with handles inside, inthe alternate embodiment of FIG. 13.

[0045]FIG. 16 is a top view of a rescue cart with handles closed, in thealternate embodiment of FIG. 13.

[0046]FIG. 17 is a front view of a rescue cart with handles inside, inthe alternate embodiment of FIG. 13.

[0047]FIG. 18 is a side view of a rescue cart with handles inside andhinges shown, in the alternate embodiment of FIG. 13.

[0048]FIG. 19 is a side view of a rescue cart with handles extended andhinges shown, in the alternate embodiment of FIG. 13.

[0049]FIG. 20 side view of an alternate embodiment of a cart forconfined spaces, according to the present invention.

[0050]FIG. 21 top view of the alternate embodiment of the cart of FIG.20 with flotation foam, according to the present invention.

[0051]FIG. 22 front view of the cart of FIG. 20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

[0052] It is important to note, that these embodiments are only examplesof the many advantageous uses of the innovative teachings herein. Ingeneral, statements made in the specification of the present applicationdo not necessarily limit any of the various claimed inventions.Moreover, some statements may apply to some inventive features but notto others. In general, unless otherwise indicated, singular elements maybe in the plural and vice versa with no loss of generality.

[0053] Overview of Construction Embodiments for the Cart

[0054] The present invention as would be known to one of ordinary skillin the art could be produced in a several ways.

[0055] In a first construction embodiment, the cart is constructed usingwelded sheets of metal with parts such as brackets, and handles. Also,this cart can be assembled using rivets. An important feature of thepresent invention is that at least the bottom and sides of the cart arewatertight, the top may also be made watertight as well, but there isalso a removable drain plug which will allow for any water that willaccumulate within the sled to be easily removed. The metal, aluminum hasbeen found to work advantageously with the present invention because itis strong, fire resistant, and it is lightweight, and reasonably pricedfor construction. Other metals with lightweight properties have beenfound to work reasonably well.

[0056] In a second construction embodiment, the cart is constructed outof fiberglass or Kevlar formed over a ribbed-cage made from metal,plastic or composite. Fiberglass has the advantage of being very lightand inexpensive, while Kevlar would be used in a cart that is to be“bullet-proof”.

[0057] In a third construction embodiment the cart is constructed withsheeting pulled over a ribbed-cage made from metal, plastic or compositeover which a plastic envelope is pulled.

[0058] In a fourth construction embodiment, the cart is constructed as ablow up “boat” that is strengthened in several areas for the wheels,handles and hinges. “Zodiac” boats are constructed this way and have theadvantage of very small lightweight construction while maintain awatertight cart when inflated.

[0059] In a fifth construction embodiment, the cart is constructed froma plastic injection mold process.

[0060] In each of these construction embodiments, a particular attributeis optimized such as weight or storage size or being bullet proof.

[0061] In all of these different embodiments the need for a structurethat is easy to pull especially in a cluttered field that may existduring a fire. These friction-abating devices can be such as wheels ornon-stick surfaces such as plastic or Teflon or protruding bottom rails.

[0062]FIGS. 1 through 11 describes the present invention using severaldifferent views.

[0063] Cart Top View with Handles Open

[0064]FIG. 1 illustrates a top view 100 of the rescue cart. The mainstructure 102 can be described as an 8-wheel watertight container. Oneach of the four corners is a closed hook 104, which allows for aconnection device such as a hook or carabineer 106 for rope or beltattachment commonly used for climbing. These attachment points can beused to tie down the cart during transportation or for otheradvantageous reasons that will be explained below. On both ends of thecart 102 is a multi-position pinned hinge 108 into which a handle bar110 is affixed. On the top of the cart are two doors 112, which areaffixed to the cart 102 with hinges 114. The doors 112 are shown in theclosed position. The lead edge of the handle 110 has an eyehook 116,which is used to fix two or more carts together for pulling them intandem.

[0065] Cart Top View with Handles Closed

[0066] Turning now to FIG. 2 shown is the top view 200 of the cart 102with the handles 110 closed on top of the cart. This is how the cart canbe stored or transported to a fire. It is noted that with the handles inthis position even if the cart was tipped over the equipment that may bestored in side will not fall out.

[0067] Cart Side View with Different Handle Positions

[0068]FIG. 3 illustrates a side view 300 of the rescue cart. The cart102 is shown with a total of eight wheels. Being symmetrical in thefront, back and both sides shown is a set of large wheels 302, whichcarries the load of the cart under normal conditions. Auxiliary wheels304 which is mounted so as to not normally touch the ground is used whenthe cart is being pulled or pushed over an object or for example up aflight of stairs. In this embodiment, the number of large wheels 302 andauxiliary wheels 304 are showed to be four. In one example wheels 304are {fraction (1/2)} inch lower. Other numbers of wheels and positionsare within the true scope and spirit of the present invention. The sidehook 104 is shown with a strap 306 affixed to it. The strap is used totie down equipment to the top of the cart or as will be described beloweven to hold down a victim for transport. The cart handle 110 is shownin lockable positions A, B, C and D. These positions are pinned so thatonce in place will not move to the other positions unless the pin ispulled from both sides and a new position is pinned.

[0069] The A position is used to hold the top hinges closed and to makethe cart as small as possible.

[0070] The B position is used for affixing a vertical rope or strap forhosting using a crane or similar equipment. Additionally for very narrowturns within a building the vertical alignment will allow for tighterturns.

[0071] The C position might be described as the normal position. When inthis position the handle top is at a convenient height for pulling orpushing by hand.

[0072] The D position is flat and away from the top of the cart. If bothhandles are in this position the top of the cart can now be used totransport long equipment and as shall be described below even a personsuch as a firefighter.

[0073] Cart Side View with Handles

[0074] Turning now to FIG. 4 illustrated is a side view of the cart 400.The cart 102 has the handles in different locked positions. One handlebeing in position C and the other handle is shown in position A. Thewatertight wheel compartment is shown 402 which enables the cart tofloat.

[0075] Front View Showing the Bottom Ribs

[0076]FIG. 5 illustrates a front view perspective 500. The cart 102 isshown with the hinges 108 and the handle 110 being folded down againstthe top of the cart 102 in position A. On the bottom are the wheels 302and 304. The wheel 302, one of four, is normally in contact with theground and carries the weight. The wheel 304 and the ribs 502 are usedwhen the cart is pulled or pushed over an object or up a flight ofstairs. Additionally the ribs are used to add strength to the bottomsurfaces. The mounting of the wheels 402 so as to maintain a watertightcompartment is noted. The handles 504 are also shown as being mounted ateach corner. This wheel well arrangement results in a cart with smoothsides, which will not allow the sides of the cart to hang, or snag onanything.

[0077] In an alternative arrangement solid bars are affixed to the cartat the location of the wheels. The wheels are mounted to the bars and donot have any wheel well 402. While resulting in a non-smooth side thecart does not have any wheel wells that may become clogged while pullingand also may be difficult to clean.

[0078] Perspective View of Cart with Storage for Tools.

[0079] Turning now to FIG. 6 shows a perspective view 600 of the cart102. The side 602 is illustrated with several fire-fighting toolsaffixed. These tools may be such as a crow bar 606, flashlight 610, saw608, and similar small tools and gear. It is noted that these tools andthe mounting fixtures do not comprise the watertight compartment.

[0080] The top surface of the cart 102 is shown with one of the doors112 open. This exposes the opening 606 into which additionalfire-fighting gear is stowed 604. These tools are such as a Scott Airpack, a saws-all and in general heaver, larger tools and equipment.Additionally a blanket (not shown) may be stowed for the purposes ofsheltering a victim from fire. This blanket can be of a material such asKevlar, which will afford an extra level of protection against beingshot at, such as in the case of urban terrorists. In another example ofa nuclear spill the blanked may be made of a material that will affordprotection against radiation.

[0081] Perspective View of Cart with Closed Top.

[0082]FIG. 7 is a perspective drawing 700, which shows the cart 102 withthe hinges 112 closed (not shown) and both handles 110 (not shown) inthe D position. In this view it is noted that the cart 102 presents aflat surface that can be used for working or assembling fire-fightingequipment. Additionally the cart 102 can be hid behind to protectagainst the heat of a fire, radiation or being hit by flying debris suchas from an explosion or gunfire. Also shown a firefighter 702 is lyingon the top with the head and feet supported by the handles 110. TheScott Air Pack 704 is mounted on the firefighter's back and is shownbelow the top surface of the cart. The two-hinged doors 112 are spacedso that the resultant opening will allow the Scott air pack fit into theopening 606 and yet the firefighter's shoulders will not fit through theopening. Scott air pack faceplate is not shown. Detail view I-I 706 isbetter described in FIG. 8 below. In one embodiment, the cart 102 hasthe dimension of 29 inches in length, 22 inches in width and 10.5 inchesdeep.

[0083] Perspective View of Cart with Firefighter Ready for Transport

[0084] Detail I-I 800 illustrated in FIG. 8 shows the detail of thefirefighter's helmet 802 which is tilted back and placed on the cart's102 handles 110. This allows for safe support of the head duringtransport, while not requiring the helmet to be removed.

[0085] Perspective View of Cart with Firefighter Ready for Transport

[0086]FIG. 9 shows a side view 900 of the cart 102 with a firefighter702 on the top of the cart 102 who is rapped with a blanket 902 and isready for transporting.

[0087] Perspective View of Cart with Locating Devices.

[0088] Turning now to FIG. 10 a perspective drawing 1000 is shown of thecart 102 with optional locating devices. Affixed to the outside of thecart at the eyehook is a short mounting handle 902. Upon this handle canbe mounted several devices 904 that will help to locate the cart if lostin a smoke filled building, or even in a large area like a forest firerange. These devices are such as a rotating fire-fighting light, astrobe, a GPS receiver with attached RF signal transmitter, and even anoisemaker such as a siren or chirper. The device is mounted high forillustrative purposes.

[0089] Perspective View of Cart with Alternative Construction Materials.

[0090] Turning now to FIG. 11 a perspective drawing 1100 is shown analternative embodiment of the cart 102. This alternative cart 1102 isconstructed as a wire frame not unlike a grocery-shopping cart. Thehandles are not shown. The wheels 302 and 304 are mounted out side ofthe cart. It is very light and yet very strong. This wire frame cart isable to transport tools both inside and out side the cart. Additionallyas mentioned above it can be used to transport people. As it is a wireframe it will not retain water or small debris. Also tools are viewablethrough the side of the cart. As yet another alternative to thisembodiment, a plastic cover 1104 can be pulled over the cart withthrough plastic mounting for the axels of the wheels. With this cover,little additional weight is added and yet the cart is watertight fromrising water. If the plastic cover has flaps 1106 that cover the top,then the cart is also water tight relative to water being sprayed infrom the top. It is also possible to affix shields to the side of thecart such as Kevlar. These are not shown.

[0091] Alternative Embodiment of the Cart with Retracting Handles.

[0092] FIGS. 12-19 are a series of drawings illustrating handles 1201,which are retractable inside the cart 102. In particular, FIG. 12 is aside view, FIG. 13 is a top view, FIG. 14 is a side view, FIG. 15 is afront view, respectively of a rescue cart with handles 1201 shown in thedifferent retracted positions.

[0093]FIG. 16 is a top view; FIG. 17 a front view, and FIG. 18 a sideview of a rescue cart 102 with handles 1201 illustrating the handles1201 stored inside the cart 102. The handles 1201 in this embodiment arestored inside the cart 102 beneath the door 112 and an area that doesnot interfere with Scott air pack 604 or 702 and wheels 302. The handles1201 in this embodiment are retractable through holes 1201 formed in theends of the cart 102 as shown in FIG. 12. The holes are formed to permita slip-fit of the handles 1201. The handles can be solid or hollow inconstruction and are designed to hold the weight of the cart withequipment and a victim being transported. The handles can be storedinside optional tubes or guides 1602. FIG. 19 is a side view of a rescuecart with handles extended and hinges shown.

[0094] Alternative Embodiment of Cart for Confined Spaces

[0095]FIG. 20 is a side view and FIG. 22 is a front view of the cart 102for confined spaces, according to the present invention. This cart issized to be smaller with typical dimensions of 36 inches long, 10 incheswide, and 4 inches in height.

[0096]FIG. 21 top view of mini sled showing flotation foam 2102 insertedin the bottom under portion of the cart 102 to increase flotation of thecart in applications where there is water such as fire fighting.

NON-LIMITING EXAMPLES

[0097] The invention is not limited to any particular end product suchas a rescue cart but may be applied to any similar structure for use inalternate products, such as a portable tool crib for high rise steelworkers, or as would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art.Moreover, although two exemplary dimensions are given, the invention isnot limited to a particular size or dimension as understood by those ofaverage skill in the art.

[0098] Although a specific embodiment of the invention has beendisclosed, it will be understood by those having skill in the art thatchanges can be made to this specific embodiment without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is notto be restricted, therefore, to the specific embodiment, and it isintended that the appended claims cover any and all such applications,modifications, and embodiments within the scope of the presentinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cart for transporting objects in a hazardousenvironment, the cart comprising: a water-tight compartment with a topsurface, the water-tight compartment adapted for the storage andtransportation of tools and equipment; at least one handle attached tothe cart for controlling the cart; and a plurality of friction abatingdevices affixed to the cart for moving the cart to a location; whereinthe top surface of the water tight compartment has an opening properlydimensioned so as to accept an air tank placed into the opening whilethe air tank is strapped onto a victim lying across the top surface ofthe water-tight compartment while supporting the victim on the topsurface.
 2. The cart according to claim 1, wherein the watertightcompartment comprises one or more walls constructed from metal, plastic,fiberglass, rubber, composite, or a combination thereof.
 3. The cartaccording to claim 2, wherein the one or more walls of the watertightcompartment are constructed over a plurality of ribs upon which thewalls are attached.
 4. The cart according to claim 1, wherein the topsurface of the water tight compartment has an opening properlydimensioned so as to accept an air tank placed into it when the air tankis strapped onto a victim's back while the victim is lying on his or herback across the top surface of the water-tight compartment whilesupporting the victim's back on the top surface.
 5. The cart accordingto claim 1, wherein the top surface of the water tight compartment hasan opening properly dimensioned so as to accept an air tank placed intoit when the air tank is strapped onto a victim's front while the victimis lying on his or her front across the top surface of the water-tightcompartment while supporting the victim's front on the top surface. 6.The cart according to claim 1, wherein the handle is adjustable toseveral positions including a folded position and an extended position.7. The cart according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of frictionabating devices includes wheels, rails, and skids.
 8. The cart accordingto claim 1, wherein the compartment is adapted to store jaws of life,foam dispensers, lights, communication equipment, blankets, ax, saws,helmet, breathing equipment, smoke & fume sensors, noise makers, ropes,communication equipment, GPS and first aid material.
 9. A cart fortransporting objects in a hazardous environment, the cart comprising: awater-tight compartment with a top surface; one or more hinged doorsattached to the top surface, the one or more hinged doors having an openposition and a closed position, wherein the one or more hinged doors areproperly sized in an opened position so as to form an opening in the topsurface for accepting at least an air tank strapped to a victim when thevictim is lying across the top surface; at least one handle attached tothe water-tight compartment; and at least one friction abating devicewhich eases the pulling or pushing of the water-tight compartment acrossthe ground.
 10. The cart according to claim 9, wherein the one or morehinged doors are properly sized so as to form an opening in the topsurface for accepting at least an air tank strapped to a back of thevictim when the victim is lying on his or her back across the topsurface but so that the opening in the top surface is smaller thanapproximately 18 inches to prevent the shoulders of the victim fromentering the opening.
 11. The cart according to claim 9, wherein the oneor more hinged doors are properly sized so as to form an opening in thetop surface for accepting at least an air tank strapped to a front ofthe victim when the victim is lying on his or her front across the topsurface but so that the opening in the top surface is smaller thanapproximately 18 inches to prevent the shoulders of the victim fromentering the opening.
 12. The cart according to claim 9, furthercomprising at least one of the following locating devices comprising: aGPS with radio communication; a sound emitting device; a light emittingdevice, and a Radio beacon.
 13. The cart according to claim 9, furthercomprising a Kevlar covering to protect against gun fire.
 14. The cartaccording to claim 9, wherein the at least one handle can be coupled toa handle of a second cart using a rope by two or more carts can beconnected together so as to be able to be pulled in a train likefashion.
 15. The cart according to claim 9, further comprising anopening in the water-tight compartment for receiving a handle to retractthereinto.
 16. A cart for transporting objects in a hazardousenvironment, the cart comprising: a ribbed-cage with a top surface; oneor more hinged doors attached to the top surface, the one or more hingeddoors having an open position and a closed position, wherein the one ormore hinged doors are properly sized in an opened position so as to forman opening in the top surface for accepting at least an air tankstrapped to a f victim when the victim is lying across the top surface;at least one handle attached to the ribbed-cage; and at least onefriction abating device which eases the pulling or pushing of thewater-tight compartment across the ground; wherein the ribbed cage iscovered with a water resistant covering to permit the cage to float. 17.The cart according to claim 16, wherein the ribbed-cage is formed fromone or more of metal, plastic or composite.
 18. The cart according toclaim 16, wherein the water-resistant covering is Kevlar.
 19. The cartaccording to claim 16, wherein the one or more hinged doors are properlysized so as to form an opening in the top surface for accepting at leastan air tank strapped to a back of the victim when the victim is lying onhis or her back across the top surface but so that the opening in thetop surface is smaller than approximately 18 inches to prevent theshoulders of the victim from entering the opening.
 20. The cartaccording to claim 16, wherein the one or more hinged doors are properlysized so as to form an opening in the top surface for accepting at leastan air tank strapped to a front of the victim when the victim is lyingon his or her front across the top surface but so that the opening inthe top surface is smaller than approximately 18 inches to prevent theshoulders of the victim from entering the opening.